Christian Mueller - ICT Consultant

What do you do?
I own a small computer support company, CMIT IT Consultants, that services small to medium sized businesses around Perth. I find my own clients and help them plan their computer systems.

What do you love about your work?
I love being able to walk away at the end of the day satisfied I've done a good job. I like the diversity of tasks - every system is different. I also enjoy the responsibility of having a companies' whole IT infrastructure running to the best of its ability and surpassing the clients expectations.

What is the money like?
Expect around $100,000 after three to five years of relevant experience.

How did you get to where you are today?
I loved computers as an adolescent and took on my first client while I was at uni doing a degree in something unrelated. My relationship with the client grew, until one day I changed my course of study to IT. When I finished my degree I was torn between working for someone else or growing my business - I chose the latter and have not looked back.

What made you decide to work in ICT?
I have always been a good problem solver - this combined with my interest in computing made the decision to make a career out of ICT work pretty easy.

Is the ICT industry what you expected?
It is reasonably competitive. What I've found is good people skills are a must.

What do you find interesting about working in ICT?
I like the diversity, there are always changes on the horizon. You are exposed to the forefront of technology and different systems out there.

Where do you see your job in ICT taking you?
I am currently drawing up plans to take the business to the next level. I expect to start employing staff soon that are as passionate as I am in the work they do. This would allow me to step back and work on the business rather than in it.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in ICT?
While there is a lot of talk about the industry moving offshore, there are still plenty of opportunities ahead in ICT. My university studies in ICT have been invaluable. The soft skills you learn there are just as important as the technical skills. You will also need good analytical and problem solving skills.

Why would you encourage others to get into the ICT industry?
Because there is such a great need for people with skills in ICT and the field is constantly evolving.